UNDERSTANDING: Three Profitable Things
A Greek word that appears three times.
The last word listed by James Strong in his Greek Dictionary of the New Testament is ophelimos – a word that means helpful, serviceable, or advantageous. This word, translated “profitable” in the King James Version, appears in three places in Paul’s pastoral epistles to Timothy and Titus, and these three texts deserve our careful consideration.
Eliphaz, one of Job’s friends, asked the question: “Can a man be profitable unto God, as he that is wise may be profitable unto himself?” (Job 22:2 KJV). The Hebrew word rendered profitable here is an Old Testament equivalent of the Greek word we are considering. It is certainly true that a wise person may be “profitable unto himself” – his wise decisions resulting in actions that benefit his own life – but can anyone “be profitable unto God”? Knowing that God is so much greater than we are, we appreciate that His wisdom far exceeds our own. He does not need to depend upon us for anything. No task is too difficult for Him to undertake. He is perfect in every way. How can sinful and finite creatures be profitable unto God? The question raised by Eliphaz is really rhetorical. Obviously we cannot be “profitable unto God”.
While this answer is true, the question must not be dismissed. Suppose that we could be “profitable unto God”. What would we have to be – and what would we have to do? Turning to the New Testament, we discover a different answer to the question. Sinful, finite creatures, cleansed from their sin and yielded to Christ their Lord, can bring pleasure to God and thus be “profitable” to Him. Let us see how this is possible.
First: THE CALL FOR GODLINESS
Before discovering what we can do to be profitable to God, it is important to learn what He wants us to be. This is always the scriptural order. In 1 Timothy 4:8 Paul states that “bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things”. The same Greek word is used twice in this verse. First, Paul considers bodily exercise. There is some “profit” or value in recreation and physical exercise. The body can benefit from activity and can be healthier through regular exercise, but the profit is only “for a little,” (JND, AMP). In other words, the benefit is only short-term. In contrast to bodily exercise, however, Paul considers godliness. While bodily exercise profits just “a little”, or in a few ways, “godliness is profitable unto all things.” It has far greater inherent benefit than physical recreation, for it can be beneficial to the spirit and soul as well as to the body. It is good for time and also for eternity.
Those who are godly are promised blessing in this life and in the life to come, and doubtless they have a greater capacity to enjoy the glories of heaven even now. Because godliness is of such value, Paul counsels Timothy to give priority to spiritual exercise rather than to physical and to exercise himself “unto godliness”, (1 Tim.4:7). Godliness literally means “well-devout”. A godly life is a devout life that displays the character of God Himself and is pleasing to Him. Clearly this is what we should strive for – but how can we become godly?
Second: THE HOLY SCRIPTURES
In Paul’s second epistle to Timothy the pathway to godliness is revealed, and we are introduced to something else that is “profitable”. We are told there that “all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,” (2 Tim.3:16, KJV). The Scriptures provide us with the key to godliness.
From his earliest days Timothy had been familiar with the Old Testament. He had received personal instruction from his mother and grandmother and had come to believe the precious truths of God’s Word, (2 Tim.1:5; 3:15). Because the Scriptures are “God-breathed” (2 Tim.3:16, NIV, AMP), they have the power (or ability) to lead a soul to salvation in Christ. Today we possess the completed Word of God – Old Testament and New Testament. God has, through His Word, provided us with a resource that is “profitable” for our spiritual progress. The “doctrine” of Scripture teaches us what is right, and its “reproof” reveals to us where we are wrong. Its “correction” shows us how to put things as they should be, and its “instruction in righteousness” enables us to stay on the right track. The Bible contains all needful directions “that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work,” (2 Tim.3:17, NKJV). Surely, “the man of God” is the individual characterized by godliness. Thus we discover that the Word of God, when it is read and obeyed, is a “profitable” resource which can produce a godly character. Being “equipped for every good work” is the goal, and this brings us to the final place where the word ophelimos is used in Scripture.
Third: GOOD WORKS
Titus was serving the Lord in Crete and had been entrusted with a teaching ministry. One theme that he had to preach repeatedly was the necessity that those who had “believed in God” should “maintain good works,” (Ti.3:8). God desires that His people should be “eager and enthusiastic about living a life that is good and filled with beneficial deeds” (Ti.2:14, AMP). Titus himself was to be an example to the believers in this respect, (Ti.2:7). Good works ought to be prominent in the lives of Christians because “these things are good and profitable unto men.” (Ti.3:8). Mankind is benefitted by the good works of God’s people; such things are “profitable” to others.
We are certainly not saved by our good works, but when we are saved we discover that God intends our lives to be filled with good works, (Eph.2:8-10). Doing good deeds to others can provide us with an opportunity for speaking to them about the Saviour and can be the means of pointing lost souls to Him. We must also seek to do good at all times to God’s people (Gal.6:10). Elderly people are often lonely and appreciate a visit, while those who are handicapped can be helped with tasks that they cannot easily perform. By good deeds and acts of kindness that are done for the sake of our Lord and Master, the God whom we serve can be recognized and glorified, (Mt.5:16). If our “good works” cause someone to glorify our Father in heaven, then they are especially “profitable”.
THREE THINGS
The Scriptures tell us that a threefold cord is not quickly broken, (Eccl.4:12). Paul has written about three things that are “profitable” and are closely connected. Those who read, meditate upon, and obey the Word of God, will soon display godliness in their lives. Their good works will then glorify God and bring blessing to those around. In this way we can, by His grace, be “profitable” to God.